Designation: C330/C330M − 14
Standard Specification for
Lightweight Aggregates for Structural Concrete1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C330/C330M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers lightweight aggregates in-
tended for use in structural concrete in which prime consider-
ations are reducing the density while maintaining the compres-
sive strength of the concrete. Procedures covered in this
specification are not intended for job control of concrete.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
with the standard.
1.2.1 With regard to other units of measure, the values
stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard.
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
as requirements of the standard.
NOTE 1—This specification is regarded as adequate to ensure satisfac-
tory lightweight aggregates for most concrete. It is recognized that it may
be either more or less restrictive than needed for some conditions and for
special purposes, such as fire resistance, fill, and concrete constructions,
the use of which is based on load tests rather than conventional design
procedures.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
C29/C29M Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”)
and Voids in Aggregate
C31/C31M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test
Specimens in the Field
C33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
C09.21 on Lightweight Aggregates and Concrete.
Current edition approved April 15, 2014. Published May 2014. Originally
approved in 1953. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as C330–13. DOI:
10.1520/C0330_C0330M-14.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
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Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved);
C39/C39M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylin-
drical Concrete Specimens
C40 Test Method for Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregates
for Concrete
C114 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic
Cement
C127 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific
Gravity), and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
C128 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific
Gravity), and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
C136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse
Aggregates
C142 Test Method for Clay Lumps and Friable Particles in
Aggregates
C151 Test Method for Autoclave Expansion of Hydraulic
Cement
C157/C157M Test Method for Length Change of Hardened
Hydraulic-Cement Mortar and Concrete
C192/C192M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test
Specimens in the Laboratory
C496/C496M Test Method for Splitting Tensile Strength of
Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
C567 Test Method for Determining Density of Structural
Lightweight Concrete
C641 Test Method for Iron Staining Materials in Light-
weight Concrete Aggregates
C666/C666M Test Method for Resistance of Concrete to
Rapid Freezing and Thawing
C702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing
Size
D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
3. Aggregate Types
3.1 Two general types of lightweight aggregates are covered
by this specification, as follows:
3.1.1 Aggregates prepared by expanding, pelletizing, or
sintering products such as blast-furnace slag, clay, diatomite,
fly ash, shale, or slate, and
3.1.2 Aggregates prepared by processing natural materials,
such as pumice, scoria, or tuff.
3.2 The aggregates shall be composed predominately of
lightweight-cellular and granular inorganic material.
1
 C330/C330M − 14
4. Chemical Composition
4.1 Lightweight aggregates shall not contain excessive
amounts of deleterious substances, as determined by the
following limits:
4.1.1 Organic Impurities (Test Method C40)—Lightweight
aggregates that, upon being subjected to test for organic
impurities, produce a color darker than the standard shall be
rejected, unless it is demonstrated that the discoloration is due
to small quantities of materials not harmful to the concrete.
4.1.2 Staining (Test Method C641)—An aggregate produc-
ing a stain index of 60 or higher shall be rejected when the
deposited stain is found upon chemical analysis to contain an
iron content, expressed as Fe2O3 equal to or greater than 1.5
mg/200 g of sample.
4.1.3 Loss on Ignition (Test Methods C114)—The loss on
ignition of lightweight aggregates shall not exceed 5 %.
NOTE 2—Some aggregates may contain carbonates or water of hydra-
tion that contribute to loss on ignition but may not affect the quality of the
product. Therefore, when evaluating an aggregate, consideration should be
given to the material characteristics that cause the ignition loss.
5. Physical Properties
5.1 Lightweight aggregate under test shall meet the follow-
ing requirements:
5.1.1 Clay Lumps and Friable Particles—The total amount
of clay lumps and friable particles shall not exceed 2 % by dry
mass.
5.1.2 Grading—The grading shall conform to the require-
ments shown in Table 1.
NOTE 3—The surfaces of pyro-processed lightweight aggregate par-
ticles finer than 75 µm (No. 200) sieves are not deleterious and may be
moderately pozzolanic.
5.1.3 Uniformity of Grading—To ensure reasonable unifor-
mity in the grading of successive shipments of lightweight
aggregate, fineness modulus shall be determined on samples
taken from shipments at intervals stipulated by the purchaser. If
the fineness modulus of the aggregate in any shipment differs
by more than 7 % from that of the sample submitted for
acceptance tests, the aggregate in the shipment shall be
rejected, unless the supplier demonstrates that it will produce
concrete of the required characteristics.
5.1.4 Loose Bulk Density (Test Method C29/C29M)—The
dry loose bulk density of lightweight aggregates shall conform
to the requirements shown in Table 2 using a 14 L [1⁄2 cubic
foot] measure.
TABLE 2 Maximum Dry Loose Bulk Density Requirements of
Lightweight Aggregates for Structural Concrete
Maximum Dry Loose
Bulk Density
Size Designation
kg/m3
[lb/ft3]
Fine aggregate 1120 [70]
Coarse aggregate 880 [55]
Combined fine and coarse aggregate 1040 [65]
5.1.5 Uniformity of Loose Bulk Density—The dry loose bulk
density of lightweight aggregate shipments sampled and tested,
shall not differ by more than 10 % from that of the sample
submitted for acceptance tests, and shall not exceed the limits
in Table 2.
5.1.6 Relative Density—When specified, the relative density
shall be determined in accordance with 8.10.
5.2 Concrete specimens containing lightweight aggregate
under test shall meet the following requirements:
5.2.1 Compressive Strength (Test Method C39/C39M), Den-
sity (Test Method C567), and Splitting Tensile Strength (Test
Method C496/C496M)— Compressive strength and density
shall be an average of three specimens and the splitting tensile
strength shall be the average of eight specimens. It shall be
possible to produce structural concrete using the lightweight
aggregates under test, so that from the same batch of concrete
one or more of the compressive strength requirements and
splitting tensile strength requirements in Table 3 will be
satisfied without exceeding the corresponding maximum den-
sity values.
NOTE 4—Intermediate values for strength and corresponding density
values shall be established by interpolation. Materials that do not meet the
minimum average splitting tensile strength requirement may be used
provided the design is modified to compensate for the lower value.
5.2.2 Natural Aggregates— Natural aggregates, when used
to replace part, or all, of the lightweight-aggregates shall
comply with the applicable requirements of Specification C33.
The test report shall record the proportion of all ingredients and
the characteristics of the natural aggregates to ensure compli-
ance with these minimum requirements.
5.2.3 Drying Shrinkage— The drying shrinkage of concrete
specimens prepared, cured, and tested in accordance with 8.4
shall not exceed 0.07 %.

TABLE 1 Grading Requirements for Lightweight Aggregate for Structural Concrete

Percentages (Mass) Passing Sieves Having Square Openings
Nominal Size Designation 25.0 mm 19.0 mm 12.5 mm 9.5 mm 4.75 mm 2.36 mm 1.18 mm 300 µm 150 µm 75 µm
(1 in.) (3⁄4 in.) (1⁄2 in.) (3⁄8 in.) (No. 4) (No. 8) (No. 16) (No. 50) (No. 100) (No. 200)
Fine aggregate:
4.75 mm to 0 ... ... ... 100 85–100 ... 40–80 10–35 5–25 ...
Coarse aggregate:
25.0 m to 4.75 mm 95–100 ... 25–60 ... 0–10 ... ... ... ... 0–10
19.0 mm to 4.75 mm 100 90–100 ... 10–50 0–15 ... ... ... ... 0–10
12.5 mm to 4.75 mm ... 100 90–100 40–80 0–20 0–10 ... ... ... 0–10
9.5 mm to 2.36 mm ... ... 100 80–100 5–40 0–20 0–10 ... ... 0–10
Combined fine and coarse aggregate:
12.5 mm to 0 ... 100 95–100 ... 50–80 ... ... 5–20 2–15 0–10
9.5 mm to 0 ... ... 100 90–100 65–90 35–65 ... 10–25 5–15 0–10

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 C330/C330M − 14
TABLE 3 Compressive Strength and Splitting Tensile Strength 8.3 Density of Concrete (Test Method C567)—Follow the
Requirements procedures in Test Method C567.
Calculated Average 28-day Average 28-day
Equilibrium Splitting Tensile Compressive 8.4 Shrinkage of Concrete (Test Method C157/C157M)—
Density Strength, min, Strength, min, Follow the procedures of Test Method C157/C157M with the
max, kg/m3 MPa [psi] MPa [psi]
[lb/ft3]
following exceptions:
All Lightweight Aggregate 8.4.1 Prepare
3
the concrete mixture using 335 kg of
cement/m [564 lb/yd3], admixture (if any), and with an air
1760 [110] 2.2 [320] 28 [4000]
1680 [105] 2.1 [300] 21 [3000]
content of 6 6 1 %. Adjust the water content so as to produce
1600 [100] 2.0 [290] 17 [2500] a slump of 50 to 100 mm [2 to 4 in.]. Thoroughly consolidate
the concrete in steel molds not smaller than 50 by 50 mm [2 by
Combination of Normal Weight and Lightweight Aggregates
2 in.] nor larger than 100 by 100 [4 by 4 in.] in cross section,
1840 [115] 2.3 [330] 28 [4000] and long enough to provide a 250 mm [10 in.] gauge length.
1760 [110] 2.1 [310] 21 [3000] The surface of the concrete shall be steel troweled.
1680 [105] 2.1 [300] 17 [2500]
8.4.2 Curing—To prevent evaporation of water from the
unhardened concrete, cover the specimen with a nonabsorptive,
nonreactive plate or sheet of tough, durable, impervious plastic
5.2.4 Popouts—Concrete specimens prepared in accordance or wet burlap. When wet burlap is used for covering, the burlap
with 8.4 and 8.5, and tested in accordance with Test Method must be kept wet until the specimens are removed from the
C151 shall show no surface popouts. molds (see Note 5). Remove specimens from the molds not less
5.2.5 Resistance to Freezing and Thawing—When required, than 20 nor more than 48 h after casting and store in a moist
the aggregate supplier shall demonstrate by test or proven field room maintained at 23 6 2 °C [73.5 6 3.5 °F] with a relative
performance that the lightweight aggregate when used in humidity of not less than 95 %. At the age of 7 days, remove
concrete, had the necessary resistance to freezing and thawing the specimens from the moist room, measure for length, and
to perform satisfactorily in its intended use. store in a curing cabinet maintained at 37.8 6 1.1 °C [100 6
2 °F] with a relative humidity of 32 6 2 %.
6. Sampling
NOTE 5—Placing a sheet of plastic over the burlap will facilitate
6.1 Sample lightweight aggregates in accordance with Prac- keeping it wet.
tice D75. NOTE 6—The air immediately above a saturated solution of magnesium
chloride (MgCl2) at 37.8 °C [100 °F] is approximately 32 % relative
6.2 Reduce sample to test sizes in accordance with Practice
humidity.
C702.
8.4.3 Report—After storage in the cabinet for 28 days,
7. Number of Tests remove each specimen and within 15 s, determine its change in
7.1 Tests on Aggregates—One representative sample is re- length to the nearest 0.01 % of the effective gauge length.
quired for each test for organic impurities, staining, loss on Report the change in length as the drying shrinkage of the
ignition, grading, bulk density, and clay lumps. specimen; report the average drying shrinkage of the speci-
mens as the drying shrinkage of the concrete.
7.2 Tests on Concrete—At least three specimens are re-
quired for each of the following tests of concrete: compressive 8.5 Test for Popout Materials—Prepare concrete specimens
strength, shrinkage, density, resistance to freezing and thawing, for the test for popout materials as described in method for
and presence of popout materials. At least eight concrete preparation of samples for shrinkage of concrete. Cure and
specimens are required for splitting tensile strength tests. autoclave the specimens in accordance with Test Method C151.
Visually inspect the autoclaved specimens for the number of
8. Test Methods popouts that have developed on the surface. Report the number
of popouts per specimen.
8.1 Compressive Strength (Test Method C39/C39M)—Make
test specimens in accordance with Practice C192/C192M and 8.6 Test for Freezing and Thawing— Make freezing and
Practice C31/C31M. Unless otherwise specified, cure speci- thawing tests of concrete, when required, in accordance with
mens in accordance with Practice C192/C192M or Practice Test Method C666/C666M, with the following modification to
C31/C31M, until the time of test. When specified, an alterna- the section on Test Specimens and on Procedure. Unless
tive curing method is allowed. The alternative method shall be otherwise specified, remove the lightweight aggregate concrete
in accordance with Practice C192/C192M or the standard specimens from moist curing at an age of 14 days and allow to
curing procedure in Practice C31/C31M for the first 7 days, dry in air for another 14 days exposed to a relative humidity of
after which the specimens shall be removed from moist curing 50 6 5 % and a temperature of 23 6 2 °C [73.5 6 3.5 °F].
and stored at 23 6 2 °C [73.5 6 3.5 °F] with a relative Then submerge the specimens in water for 24 hours, prior to
humidity of 50 6 5 % until the time of test. the freezing and thawing test.
8.2 Splitting Tensile Strength—Make 152 by 305 mm [6 by 8.7 Grading (Test Method C136)—Follow the procedures of
12 in.] cylindrical test specimens in accordance with Practice Test Method C136, except that the mass of the test sample for
C192/C192M, cure, and test in accordance with Test Method fine aggregate shall be in accordance with Table 4. The test
C496/C496M. sample for coarse aggregate shall consist of 2830 cm3 [0.1 ft3]

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 C330/C330M − 14
TABLE 4 Mass of Sieve Test Sample for Fine Lightweight 8.9 Clay Lumps and Friable Particles in Aggregate, shall be
Aggregates in accordance with Test Method C142.
Nominal Bulk Density (Loose) of Aggregate Mass of Test
Sample, g
8.10 Relative Density—Determine the Relative Density
kg/m3 lb/ft3
(“Specific Gravity”) in accordance with Test Methods C127
80–240 5–15 50
240–400 15–25 100 and C128.
400–560 25–35 150
560–720 35–45 200 9. Rejection
720–880 45–55 250 9.1 Material that fails to conform to the requirements of this
880– 1040 55–65 300
1040–1120 65–70 350 specification shall be subject to rejection. The reason for
rejection shall be reported to the producer or supplier promptly
and in writing.
10. Certification
or more of the material used for the determination of bulk 10.1 When specified in the purchase order or contract, a
density. Mechanical sieving of aggregate shall be for 5 min- producer’s or supplier’s certification shall be furnished to the
utes. purchaser that the material was sampled and tested in accor-
8.8 Bulk Density (Loose) (Test Method C29/C29M)—The dance with this specification and has been found to meet the
aggregate shall be tested in an oven dry condition utilizing the requirements. When specified in the purchase order or contract,
shoveling procedure. a report of the test results shall be furnished.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue,
C330–13, that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved April 15, 2014)

(1) Revised Sections 5.1.6 and 8.10.

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue,
C330–09, that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved December 1, 2013)

(1) Revised Section 2.1 and deleted 2.2. (2) Revised Section 8.10.

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